Lode: A rich source of something

In the summer of 2015 I visited a very special place, the Isle of Purbeck, a beautiful stretch of coastline in Dorset. At the time it was a lovely weekend away filled with laughter and happy memories. Looking back at those days I can see it was so much more, a seismic shift in life – a defining moment in time. I love moments like these; at first they appear unassuming but their reach is deep. The joy discovered during those precious few days spent in Dorset has journeyed with me and is knitted into each stitch of this shawl.

Lode is worked from the tip to the edge and features layers of slipped stitch columns that gently flow from the central spine, building upon each other and creating a richly textured fabric that envelops the neck, keeping the chills at bay. A handy little loop is created in the i-cord bind off for you to tuck the end of your shawl into, keeping it securely in place as you embrace the coastal winds, allowing the fresh sea air to invigorate you. Lode can be worked in two sizes - small or medium.

Materials

Isle Yarns Dorset Lambs - Tussah Silk Yarn (fingering; 50% wool, 50% tussah silk; 350m / 380yd per 100g skein)
Shade: Lichen; 1 x 100g skein

Tarndie Polwarth 4ply
(fingering; 100% Polwarth; 530m / 580yd per 150g skein)
Shade: Taupe; 1 x 150g skein

3.75mm / US 5 circular needle approx. 60cm / 23.75in length (this shawl could also be knitted on straight needles approx. 35cm / 14in long)

One stitch marker, optional to mark centre stitch.
Tapestry needle
Blocking wires and pins
Waste yarn for provisional cast on

Gauge

Always use the needle size that enables you to match the specified gauge.

23 stitches and 29 rows over 10cm / 4in of Garter & Slipped-Stitch Pattern worked flat blocked, using 3.75mm/ US 5 needles

Size

Small (medium)
Finished size is approximately: 42 (50)cm / 16.5 (19.75)in width (at widest point, bind-off edge) by 103 (130)cm / 40.5 (51.25)in long.

Shawl shown is small size in Isle Yarn Tussah Silk. The small shawl is a perfect single skein project.

If you have a larger skein (150g) there are instructions in the pattern for creating the medium sized shawl.

More details will be added to the shawl pattern in the coming days on how to adjust the shawl to suit your yardage.